French Onion Dip made from scratch will knock your socks off. It’s worth making because you will never, ever get this flavour in store bought dip! Not from the most expensive gourmet store in town, and certainly not in those tubs at the grocery store. It’s seriously incredible!
Homemade French Onion Dip
Confession time: I’ve made shortcut French Onion Dip using a packet of French Onion Soup mix many, many times…. and in fact, here’s the recipe!
BUT a REAL Homemade French Onion Dip, made from scratch by making your own caramelised onion trumps the shortcut soup mix version 10 times over.
Thank you Ina Garten!
I will never give up the packet soup mix French Onion Dip. It’s an 80’s thing, it’s an Aussie thing, and it’s a nostalgic thing.
But if you want a French Onion Dip that’s elevated to incredible status, make this Homemade French Onion Dip from scratch!
The BEST chips to serve with French Onion Dip are plain crinkle cut potato chips. It’s the classic way it’s served in the US – try it once and you’ll be converted for life!
French Onion Dip gets its name from French Onion Soup, with the flavour base of both being caramelised onion.
What French Onion Dip is made of
Here’s what you need for this recipe. Just a note on a few of the items:
The dip base is cream cheese (tang + richness), mayonnaise (flavour + fat) and sour cream (tang + reduces richness a bit);
Less butter – as much as I love Ina Garten, I often find myself cutting down the fat she uses in her recipes quite substantially. This is one such example. The original recipe called for 4 tablespoons of butter AND 1/4 cup of oil. I swear, this does NOT need that much – way too rich! I made it with 3 tablespoons of butter, no oil, which is plenty; and
Hint of spice – adds a touch of extra flavour and warmth to the dip!
How to make it
And here’s how to make it. The key flavour base is the caramelised onions. It will take a good 20 to 25 minutes and it can’t be hurried otherwise the onions just burn instead of turning golden and sweet!
What homemade French Onion Dip tastes like
It’s a creamy dip, a gorgeous soft creamy texture rather than the rock-hard dips you get from the grocery store where your chips break every time you try to scoop some up.
The caramelised onion infuses it with beautiful flavour that’s savoury with natural sweetness – there’s no sugar in this recipe, it’s all from the natural caramelisation of the onion!
It’s great on the day it’s made, but it’s even better the next day once the flavours have had time to meld together even more!
How long can you keep homemade French Onion Dip?
I’ve kept it for 4 to 5 days and it was 100% perfect, no flavour loss at all.
How to serve French Onion Dip
Hands down, the BEST thing to dip in Onion Dip is plain crinkle cut potato crisps. This is an American thing that hasn’t yet made it across the waters.
And it might sound strange to some people, dunking potato crisps in dip.
But trust me. For French Onion Dip, plain potato crisps are the BEST. Better than corn chips, better than crackers, better than bread. It beats ’em all! – Nagi x
Watch how to make it
Note: typo in video! Says “paprika” instead of “cayenne pepper”. Though actually, you could totally use paprika instead!
More dip recipes
This Snack Monster has shared plenty of dip recipes!!!
Guacamole (done right!) or Avocado Hummus Dip
Retro Soup Mix 2 Minute French Onion Dip
Hot Corn Dip – you’ll love the flavour in this creamy, bubbly dip!
Smoked Salmon Dip (flavour you can’t buy in tubs!)
See all Dip Recipes
Hungry for more? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for all of the latest updates.
Homemade French Onion Dip
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 1/2 cups diced onions (2 to 3 onions) (brown, yellow or white)
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 4 oz / 120 g cream cheese (cold), cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup whole egg mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream (full fat is best, but you can use low fat or even yoghurt)
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a fry pan over medium heat.
- Add the onions, salt, pepper, onion powder and cayenne pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring. Then reduce the heat to medium low and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The onions should be sweet and golden. Remove from stove and allow to cool.
- Place the cream cheese, sour cream and mayo in a bowl, mix until smooth (use microwave in 10 sec bursts if needed to assist)
- Add the caramelised onions. Mix until just combined. Refrigerate at least 2 hours to allow flavours to develope, overnight is better!
- Serve at room temperature, garnished with chopped chives if desired. Best served with crinkle cut plain potato chips!
Recipe Notes:
a) Original recipe called for 4 tbsp butter + 1/4 cup oil. I reduced it to just 3 tbsp of butter. This is very rich as it is – you don’t need any more!
b) Original recipe also called for 1/2 cup of mayonnaise. I found this too rich so I reduced it to 1/4 cup.
c) Original recipe said to beat the cream cheese (at room temperature) with the mayonnaise and sour cream using a stand mixer. I tried this once and it is a bit fluffy at first but then it becomes denser after refrigerating it. So I make this by softening the cream cheese or even heating the cream cheese very gently in the microwave if necessary then simply stirring it with the other ingredients. Works perfectly, it’s creamy and lump free (other than the onions of course!)
d) I added onion powder as an optional extra because I like the extra kick of onion flavour.
e) Original recipe called for 1 tsp of salt. I find this slightly too salty so I reduced it to 3/4 tsp. 3. Nutrition per serving assuming 8 servings.
Nutrition Information:
Originally published July 2015. Updated with new photos, brand new video, process step photos and of course the most important thing – new Life of Dozer section added!
Life of Dozer
No onion dip for Dozer – onion is bad for dogs! How about some carrot instead?? 😂 (He looks so keen, he hasn’t gotten a sniff of what it is yet!!)
And from the first time I published this recipe:
Dozer assuming his usual position while I shot the dip. Patiently waiting for a big dollop to land on the ground. Didn’t happen. Never will – onion is bad for dogs!!
Hi Nagi
I’ve been looking at loads of your recipes since a friend recommended your site (so many I want to try!).
This is the first one I’ve made. Whipped it up for nibbles before lunch yesterday.
It was yummo! And made a huge portion.
Thank you for coming to the rescue with a delish dish. I can’t wait to try a recipe with your tenderised beef next!
Oooh glad you enjoyed this Brigette! Hope you try and enjoy many more! 🙂 N xx
I made this for a family spring party over the weekend, I was a hit and well liked. I saved a little back to share with my coworkers the following work day. I have been asked to make this the next department pot luck lunch we have.
I plan on making this often just to have at home from time to time. I had to share the recipe with others. this was super easy to make.
Love hearing that Jay! So pleased you enjoyed this 🙂 N x
I made this for a christmas bbq today and served with vegie sticks. delicious and easy. no need for the onion salt. another keeper. thanks Nagi. hope you have a great Christmas.
That’s terrific to hear Schmoops! So glad you enjoyed this, thanks for letting me know – N x ❤️
Ohmygoodness, I made this today and it is sensational, thank you for the recipe – I will definitely make this again!
WHOOT WHOOT!!! 🙌🏻
I experimented and pureed about a third of the caramelised onions and added to the cheese mixture before adding the rest. It really picked it up and gave it a more intense onion flavour! No onion salt needed! Great recipe!
I’m so pleased to hear that Madfelice! Thanks for sharing your feedback! N x 😊
Well what can I say other than this dip is sensational. Instead of using salt I added my homemade french onion soup mix. I will cut back on the cayenne but thats just my preference everyone else like it. I think it tastes better the next day. Will be making this one often. The onions are so sweet, love the method of cooking them with heaps of butter. Yummo!
Fantastic to hear Wendy!! And you are absolutely right, this definitely tastes better the next day. Hope you have a great weekend! N xx
Does this dip hold up to potatoes chips
Yes! Just make sure it’s at room temperature because it hardens when it’s cold 🙂 N xx
I followed the recipe to a tee, timing the onions! FABULOUS!!!!!!! first time I ever made homemade french onion dip and I will never consider checking out any other recipe!!! I had a house full of guest and new neighbors for a holiday happy hour, had fresh veggies and various breads and crackers. this dip was a perfect compliment to my cheese fondue, where all the breads and veggies could go with either the onion dip or the cheese dip!!
actually snacking on some right now, (I saved myself a tiny bit because I knew it would be gone).
Thank you ever so much!
Lynn
WOO HOO! I’m so happy to hear that, thanks for letting me know Lynn! N xx
When I was a little boy, Saturday night was family night for watching Hockey Night in Canada on TV. Mom and Dad sitting on the couch and my big brother and I sharing a bowl of chips and our Mothers home made French Onion Dip. Those are great memories and I still love French Onion dip, pass me a tissue please….
I love hearing that this brings back memories William 🙂 I bet your mother made a mean French Onion Dip ❤️
Hi just wondering if this recipe is suitable for freezing?
Hi Rhiannon, I’m afraid not 🙁 Cream cheese doesn’t do so well in the freezer
Lazy caramelized onions: 6 large yellow onions, sliced and put in the bottom of a slow cooker. Drizzle 3 tbsp oil or butter over top. High for 8 – 10 hours. Freeze for up to 6 months.
Oooh! I have to try it!! So it becomes golden brown????
Yes
Hi Laura,
Many thanks for the extra tip!
Just checking, did you mean on HIGH for 8-10 hours? Wouldn’t they be burnt to a crisp? Or did you mean on LOW? Just checking 😊
Many thanks,
Dee
Many thanks Laura! Appreciate the quick reply. I’m new to slow cookers, hence all the questions. Thanks again 😊
The recipe does say high and that is what I’ve used. But you know your slow cooker best. You could try low and see how it goes. On high my onions don’t burn they get a deep golden brown colour. The oil or butter probably stops them from burning, plus liquid would come out of all the onions.
PS So sorry, I meant to say I’m uber keen to try your tip! I Loooooove caramelised onion in recipes, so this would be a great time saver. Thanks again 😊
Nagi, love your version so Thank YOU! I also love to change receipt even with cakes. Also love soup Cream. Hope YOU Enjoy Cooking at the show, no doubt will be Tired afterwoods. Am having bit lazy time recovering have lost yet another Dear , very dear friend(alomostin 100y) but My heart is sad knowing that will never again have friend Like her.Dear Jean and Bert Were 25y in My life. Wonderful Memories! Regards, rest and recharge your body and soul. Vera.
Hi Nagi, I am soooo enjoying all your recipes and now feel that whatever recipe it is, because it is yours, it will be top notch. Saw your french onion dip today and thought it sounded fabulous and will definitely make it in the near future. Sent my daughter a text to ask if she liked french onion dip and she came back with I LOVE french onion soup – she read it incorrectly – so I just wondered if you have a french onion soup recipe using your wonderful way with the onions. My fingers are crossed. Thank you again, Nagi.
I made this dip with the noted changes…soooooo good. The absolute BEST! Thank you for sharing!
WOO HOO! So glad you enjoyed it Martha!! 🙂
I’ve just made this, using your modified recipe. It’s fantastic. Its in the fridge now for tomorrow. I didn’t time the cooking of the onion,so not sure now if I cooked for the minimum. But I think it was around 20 mimutes, and they were golden and caramelised.
Or you could go the old fashioned way of packet of French onion soup and can of reduced cream LOL, I can eat this by the bowl full LOL
That’s been done many times in my house!! N x
Potato chips and onion dip are perhaps my favorite snack of all time. If they’re around I CAN NOT stay out of them. But, confession: I’ve never made my own dip. Thank you, thank you for this recipe!!!!
I’m a snacker. I love snacky things. It’s terrible. We’ll get along JUST FINE when we meet up! 😉 N x
Wow! I am not even sure I knew you could make french onion soup from scratch haha! Well see you later french onion soup mix! This looks divine!
I made this and it was excellent. I think the onion powder is a good addition and really boosts the onion flavor in the dip. I don’t understand why you use cold cream cheese. Wouldn’t room temperature work easier? Believe it or not, I love to dip pretzels into French Onion Dip! Delicious.
I know right? Ina Garten is the best!!
Happy Weekend to you Nagi! You know I never have thought to make french onion dip from scratch, I guess I too have made way too many dips with a package of Lipton French onion soup packages. Dip looks stunning and perfect for a gathering. Poor little Dozer can’t have onions anyways but maybe a pita chip… if he is a good boy. How sweet!
For you, you would have to make a triple batch to feed that hungry teenager!! 🙂
This sounds fantastic! We love Onion dip at our house even if it has a little fat in it. We like to say that a little fat never hurt anyone! 😉
Everything in moderation, right?? 😉
Love dips and crackers! Need to try this one very soon! Did you stuff these mini peppers, too? Love everything in this post!
I did do the stuffed peppers! I was overly excited when I saw baby peppers at the markets. 🙂 I actually used a variation of your whipped feta! 😉
I hate mayonnaise. Would you recommend leaving it out or adding more of cream cheese or sour cream?
Hi Katie! I have a friend who hates mayonnaise too!! (Actually – two friends ;: ) I just add more sour cream but please do ensure you use full fat sour cream. Otherwise, creme fraiche is a brilliant alternative as it is richer than sour cream so it is closer to mayo. 🙂